Japan's new Prime Minister Taro Aso appeared off to a sluggish start, with support for his new government falling short of the approval ratings his predecessor began with a year ago, according to a survey published Thursday.

A quick-smiling former Olympic skeetshooter with a penchant for tailored suits and manga comic books took power as Japan's third prime minister in two years Wednesday, vowing to boost a languishing economy.

Outspoken conservative Taro Aso took power as Japan's prime minister on Wednesday after he overcame opposition forces in a split parliament, tasked with rejuvenating the ailing ruling party ahead of elections.

Outspoken conservative Taro Aso took power as Japan's prime minister on Wednesday after he overcame opposition forces in the split parliament, tasked with rejuvenating the ailing ruling party ahead of elections.

Taro Aso, an often brash former foreign minister seen as the most likely candidate to replace Japan's prime minister, said Friday he believes good relations with China are an important part of Japanese foreign policy and shrugged off criticism that he is too hawkish.

Japan's chronically unpopular prime minister abruptly resigned Monday after a yearlong struggle with a deadlocked parliament, leaving the weakened ruling party to grapple with a stalled economy and rising calls for snap elections.